Solar Decathlon 2011

September 29, 2011

Stefano Paltera/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

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University of Tennessee students work on Living Light at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011, in Washington, D.C. The house features:
A design inspired by the cantilever barns of southern Appalachia;
A dynamic double facade system made of alternating translucent and transparent panes of glass, with horizontal blinds between the panes;
An energy recovery ventilator that harvests air through the double facade system to supply the house with passively warmed or cooled fresh air;
Sensors that automatically manage the electric lighting, including color-changing LED strip lights along the facade;
A home automation system that can be programmed with preferred conditions for activities, such as watching a movie or entertaining dinner guests;
Cylindrical solar modules that capture sunlight across their entire surface.

Stefano Paltera/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

6of43

University of Tennessee students work on Living Light at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011, in Washington, D.C. The house features:
A design inspired by the cantilever barns of southern Appalachia;
A dynamic double facade system made of alternating translucent and transparent panes of glass, with horizontal blinds between the panes;
An energy recovery ventilator that harvests air through the double facade system to supply the house with passively warmed or cooled fresh air;
Sensors that automatically manage the electric lighting, including color-changing LED strip lights along the facade;
A home automation system that can be programmed with preferred conditions for activities, such as watching a movie or entertaining dinner guests;
Cylindrical solar modules that capture sunlight across their entire surface.